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INSTRUCTORS: 
Amanda Hamrick
Satish Chilka, P.E., M.S.
Edward Henry. Stehmeyer, P.E., M.ASCE
Paul Harrem

Purpose and Background

These presentations were recorded at the ASCE Ports Conference 2025

Turning Basin Wharves to Prepare for Deepening (20 minutes)

This presentation highlights the structural rehabilitation and stability upgrades of Wharves 9 and 16 at Port Houston's Turning Basin Terminal, in preparation for the federal channel deepening under Project 11. Engineers conducted detailed global stability analyses using limit equilibrium and FEM modeling to assess how deepening would impact aging wharf structures built in the 1940s. The team implemented mitigation strategies including drilled shaft foundations, encasement walls, and structural repairs—all within tight spatial and budget constraints. The project showcases how legacy infrastructure can be retrofitted to support modern dredging efforts and meet future navigational demands.

Talbert Channel and Huntington Beach Channel Sheet Pile Repair Project (20 minutes)

This session presents the design-build solution for repairing deteriorated sheet pile walls in a critical Orange County flood control channel. Faced with seismic criteria, FEMA accreditation deadlines, and dense residential surroundings, engineers developed an innovative landside sheet pile system installed within inches of the original wall—avoiding in-water work and permitting delays. The project used a silent piling system to minimize disruption, and featured A690 steel sections with significant sacrificial thickness to meet a 50-year design life without cathodic protection. The result was a resilient, low-maintenance solution for 16,000 linear feet of channel wall with no interruption to flood capacity.

Resilient Wharf Extension Enhances Container-on-Barge Operations in Charleston's Largest Terminal (24 minutes)

This presentation explores the design and construction of a 700-foot wharf extension at the Wando Welch Terminal to support growing container-on-barge operations and accommodate neopanamax vessels. The session details complex seismic design, slope protection, stormwater treatment systems, and integration with aging bulkhead structures—all within a constrained working site. Key design innovations included a seismic joint with replaceable crane rail elements, precast U-beam utility corridors, and encapsulation of existing walls to extend service life. Attendees will gain insights into how collaborative planning and modular solutions can expand marine terminal capacity and flexibility

ASCE/COPRI 77-22 Dry Dock Standard (16 minutes)

This presentation introduces the ASCE/COPRI 77-22 Standard, the first comprehensive U.S. design guideline for floating and graving dry docks. Developed to improve consistency, safety, and reliability across new and existing facilities, the standard addresses structural systems, stability, mooring, mechanical systems, and operations. Attendees will learn how the standard supports engineers, owners, and shipyard operators in meeting modern regulatory and performance requirements. The session also highlights key updates from past guidance, with practical examples of how to apply the provisions in real-world dry dock evaluations and designs.

Benefits and Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this course, you will be able to:

• Explain how limit equilibrium and finite element modeling methods are used to assess global stability of aging wharf structures impacted by channel deepening.
• Describe the retrofit solutions—including encasement walls and drilled shafts—used to stabilize existing wharves for future dredging operations.
• Explain the design features—such as seismic joints, slope protection, and stormwater treatment—that enabled integration with legacy infrastructure in a constrained site.
• Explain the key design provisions and applications of the ASCE/COPRI 77-22 standard for floating and graving dry docks, including structural, stability, and operational considerations.
infrastructure design.

Assessment of Learning Outcomes

Students' achievement of the learning outcomes will be assessed via a short post-test assessment (true-false, multiple choice, and/or fill in the blank questions).

Who Should Attend?

• Port engineers
• Port authority staff
• Project managers
• General contractors
• Early career professionals

How to Earn Your CEUs/PDHs and Receive Your Certificate of Completion

To receive your certificate of completion, you will need to complete a short post-test and receive a passing score of 70% or higher within 1 year of purchasing the course.

How do I convert CEUs to PDHs?

1.0 CEU = 10 PDHs [Example: 0.1 CEU = 1 PDH]